Unforgettable Family Adventure: Japan with Kids!
Hey everyone! Finally shaking off the travel lag and excited to share our family's incredible Japan trip from May! Planning our first adventure with six kiddos (ages 7, 9, 9, 11, 12, and 16) meant focusing on a few key things:
- Comfy & Connected Accommodations: Finding places where we could all hang out together and that didn't break the bank.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Balancing sightseeing with loads of fun, cultural experiences, and activities the whole family would enjoy. No boring check-in tours!
We flew from the US to Vietnam, with a week-long stopover in Japan – perfect! We hit up Tokyo, the stunning Mount Fuji region, and the historical Nikko. Late May weather was amazing, and crowds were manageable. Plus, these three areas are close together, making travel a breeze. They offer something for everyone: breathtaking views, serene temples for the grown-ups, and awesome entertainment for the kids (and kids at heart!). It's all about making memories!
Getting Around Japan with a Crew
Transportation was key! With our large family and younger kids, we split the trip into two phases:
- Private Car Power: For longer distances (Tokyo to Mount Fuji, Mount Fuji to Nikko, and back), we hired a private car with a driver (who spoke Vietnamese!).
- Tokyo Basecamp: In Tokyo, we picked a central location and relied on taxis, Ubers, and the super-efficient subway for shorter hops and walking. This saved us some serious cash while still keeping things convenient.
Our Epic Itinerary: Day-by-Day Fun!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Landed at 7 PM. Customs was a breeze (15-20 minutes) thanks to filling out the online forms beforehand. HUGE TIP: each person needs their own QR code, even the kids! Here's the link to the Visit Japan Web form:
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/After grabbing our luggage, our awesome driver, Huy Bianchi, met us right at the gate. We booked a spacious 10-seater van that was super comfy for our crew.
Accommodation: We scored an amazing 5-bedroom Airbnb condo right in the heart of Shinjuku! Steps from restaurants, shops, everything! It was perfect for 8-10 people, super clean, and had all the amenities. The only downside? Being on a main street meant occasional ambulance sirens or late-night chatter – bring earplugs!
Here's the Airbnb link: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/PL7GzqCG
First stop? 7-Eleven, of course! Our kids are obsessed with Japanese 7-Eleven – so many delicious and affordable snacks! We stocked up on goodies, headed back to the Airbnb, and crashed after our long flight.
Day 2: Tokyo Adventures!
8:30 AM sharp, Huy picked us up for a packed day of sightseeing:
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo: This isn't your average Starbucks! It's HUGE, gorgeous, and the food is amazing. A great spot for breakfast.
- Nintendo & Pokemon Stores in Shibuya: The kids went wild! Prepare for some serious temptation.
- Imperial Palace & Tokyo Station: We visited the Imperial Palace and then grabbed lunch at Tokyo Station's Ramen Street – so many delicious ramen options!
The jetlag was hitting hard, so we headed back to the Airbnb for a quick 2-hour nap. Refreshed and ready, we jumped back in the car for the 4 PM Harry Potter Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter. Make sure to book tickets online at least 1-2 weeks in advance (Klook is easy!). This place is a MUST for Harry Potter fans! My husband and I were just as mesmerized as the kids – a true family experience!
After a couple of hours of magic, we headed to a crab buffet – All You Can Eat! If you love crab like we do, this place is heaven. King Crab, Snow Crab, crab sashimi… you name it! Super fresh and delicious.
Restaurant: Kanimatsuri Crab Restaurant (easy to find on Google Maps, right across from Tsukiji Market)
Price: 15,000 yen/adult, 50% off for kids.
Day 3: Conquering Mount Fuji!
Early start at 7 AM! The kids were craving Western breakfast, so after some serious research, we chose Musashino Mori Diner Shinjuku Central Park.
WOW! This place is incredible. Tucked away in a charming park, it's serene and beautiful. While we waited for our table, the kids ran around on the grass. The restaurant specializes in Western cuisine, is elegant yet cozy, and the food is amazing. Great value for such high quality!
Fueled up, we drove to a traditional village near Mount Fuji. I've been to the famous Oshino Hakkai village many times, so Huy took us to a hidden gem: Saiko Iyashino-sato Nenba. It was absolutely stunning, peaceful, and less crowded. The kids loved exploring!
After an hour, we visited Oishi Park at the foot of Mount Fuji. Our main mission? The insanely delicious fruit ice cream! Our secondary mission? Admiring and photographing the beautiful flowers. After another hour of fun, we grabbed lunch in the central area. We always look for the busiest restaurants – guaranteed delicious!
Time for check-in! We arrived at the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa - another "WOW" moment! With 8 people, luxury hotels can be tough (Japanese hotel rooms are generally tiny!), and finding an Airbnb that comfortably fits everyone is a challenge. But this hotel has spacious Family rooms with separate living rooms and bedrooms with 4 beds each. We booked two adjoining rooms and had plenty of space, plus an incredible view of Mount Fuji from every angle! The rooms were surprisingly stylish, and they even gifted us 8 BVLGARI amenity kits! The price was amazing too - $400 per night including breakfast.
Another reason we chose this hotel? It's right next to Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park famous for its record-breaking roller coasters! It's a 3-minute walk, and hotel guests get discounts on tickets. The kids said the rides were better than those in the US, with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji at the top (a bit too terrifying for me!).
After check-in, my husband took the kids to Fuji-Q Highland while I enjoyed a relaxing onsen and rested. We met back at the hotel for a fantastic buffet dinner with both Japanese and Western options – something for everyone!
And that's a wrap for Day 3! Stay tuned for more adventures! ❤️ ```
